Great company doing a very good job to bring high quality thoughtfully designed frames to the tennis community.

There is a quite a range of frames so answering your question is difficult, but have a read - they have a lot of fans on this board. Their Kinetic system is a bone fide technology that actually does do what it says and makes for a very comfortable hit, and I thought their Core series from a few years back was sensational.

I'm not currently using their sticks but I will always be a vocal supporter.

So far so good with me. The PK Ki5 315 is helping my elbow recover from mild TE even though I still play way too much.

I kind of like that ProKennex keeps a low profile and doesn't go overboard with all the marketing BS. It's better to underpromise and overdeliver rather than vice versa. It inspires long term confidence and brand loyalty in the products.

Can't say anything just yet on their new frames, but I received a shiny new 7G last night. I, too, have a mild bout of TE and am hoping the 7G can help. Everything I've read (which is a lot) says it will, plus people just seem to like it as a racquet regardless of TE. It has a good, solid feel with a nice bit of heft, so I'm pretty excited.

In the meantime, though, in trying to find anything to help my arm, I started using the first racquet I ever bought--a Pro Kennex Silver Ace 110. It is really heavy, but incredibly awesome to hit with. So much so that if the 7G doesn't work out, the Ace will become my main stick, and I'll try to source another. I think it's been said many times, but PK makes good stuff, just nobody knows about it. Added benefit of the 7G (and SA for that matter) is a little exclusivity at my local club. I'll report back after playing later today.

Two random, interesting facts: my racquet timeline spans 22 years and begins and ends with PK; this is my first post.

My first Pro Kennex was the Silver Ace back in the early 80's. It was a graphite/fiberglass composite that only cost about $80. It was one of the cheapest graphite composites at the time and also one of the best. It had more flex than most graphite racquets, which made it comfortable and gave me confidence to take full swings. I was very upset when I cracked it and was told they stopped making it.

My second Pro Kennex is the Ki 5x, which I'm using right now. I'm very happy with it. My elbow feels much better since I switched from the APDGT, and my game is better too. It's quite a bit heavier than most modern frames, but you do get the benefit of more plow and stability.

Pro Kennex was one of the first manufacturers to make graphite racquets, and as another poster noted, they were the brains behind a lot of the technology you see from the big name manufacturers.

Great company doing a very good job to bring high quality thoughtfully designed frames to the tennis community.

There is a quite a range of frames so answering your question is difficult, but have a read - they have a lot of fans on this board. Their Kinetic system is a bone fide technology that actually does do what it says and makes for a very comfortable hit, and I thought their Core series from a few years back was sensational.

I'm not currently using their sticks but I will always be a vocal supporter.

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You are right about the core series , the core 1 #6 was fantastic; I also liked and played the 7G for about 3 years it was another great stick (and its still popular today), but the best is their latest offering the Qtour quite possibly the best racquet I've ever used !

So far so good with me. The PK Ki5 315 is helping my elbow recover from mild TE even though I still play way too much.

I kind of like that ProKennex keeps a low profile and doesn't go overboard with all the marketing BS. It's better to underpromise and overdeliver rather than vice versa. It inspires long term confidence and brand loyalty in the products.

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It is not by design. The company has been cash-poor for many years now. I am happy that they not only continue, but have been able to come out with new products recently. Hopefully, more players will use and appreciate these excellent racquets. I am a big fan and have an extensive PK collection, going back to the Black Ace 90 and also have several prototype racquets made for ATP players that PK was attempting to sponsor years ago.

Had an old Silver Ace 90 Ceramic way back, loved it but it cracked (my fault). Demo'd the Black Ace and Redondo several times recently. Although I didn't switch to them, I did like them a lot. Great racquets.

I currently play with an old 80's Pro Kennex Silver Ace and my son plays with a Copper Ace. Before we picked up these racquets we demo'd about a dozen different new racquets with the Redondo and the Black Ace being a couple of our favorites. We occasionally try out other racquets but so far we both favor the older racquets we play with.

My only complaint is that current frames are priced like their Wilson and Head competitors. The new Q5 should be $149, not $179.

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My guess is that adding lead particles in small chambers to the head adds to the production costs. When you look at it that way, you're getting a real bargain when their older frames with Kinetic technology are selling for $119-149. They have to make money somewhere to compete with these companies that sell lower cost products for $189-199.

Ki5 helped me recover from AeroPro induced tennis elbow as well. Currently playing with a Ki15 for doubles...love the quickness. Took a while to get my 1HBH dialed in with it but lately enjoying it. Can play it with full poly which I don't do with any other racquet.

Still prefer my old Fischer Mag Tour for singles though...just more accurate with it. The Ki5, besides the arm benefits, is a nice general all-around racquet. Not too heavy or light in any spec and quite spinny on ground strokes. I volley better with the Fischer though, and as mentioned vs. the Ki15, I just get more control from the Fischer vs. the Ki5 as well. Pure baseline rallying I might go with the Ki5 more often, especially if my opponent was the type that didn't come to the net so accurate passing shots weren't so critical. The Fischer is a little heavier static but lower swingweight.

Anyway, my next demo round, whenever that is, will have a least 2 PKs in it that I haven't had a chance to try yet so that's my endorsement. They are worth a try.

Comparing the London to the Redondo mid is like comparing a refine gentleman dining in a restaurant to a guy in T-shirt and blue jeans munching on his burgers respectively.

The London is "subtle" while the Redondo is "raw". That's how I feel it. Result-wise, it's up to the player (and strings).

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Anirut,

I'm in the process of reading through your Redondo thread/s but was wondering if you'd had the chance to try the new 2012 Black Ace and it's predecessor? I'm not precisely sure which of the three I should start with (I have to buy, can't demo any of them here in Australia) but I was thinking it'd be either the Redondo Mid or the 2012 Black Ace. I have a short-list of 'only' 8 frames (apart from the PK mids there's the Diablo Mid; Dunlop 4D 100 and Biomimetic 100; Volkl PB 10 Mid and Pacific X Feel Pro 90 Vacuum) to replace my circa 1987 Prestige Pro (mid). Unfortunately, none of them are available out here and I will have to buy in order to try. As a result, I'm trying to put some thought into which one I try first.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the feedback. I'm going to make sure a couple of Prokennex racquets make their way into my next set of demos, most likely the Black Ace 93 and the Redondo C since I've desired a thirst for mid sized racquets

I'm in the process of reading through your Redondo thread/s but was wondering if you'd had the chance to try the new 2012 Black Ace and it's predecessor? I'm not precisely sure which of the three I should start with (I have to buy, can't demo any of them here in Australia) but I was thinking it'd be either the Redondo Mid or the 2012 Black Ace. I have a short-list of 'only' 8 frames (apart from the PK mids there's the Diablo Mid; Dunlop 4D 100 and Biomimetic 100; Volkl PB 10 Mid and Pacific X Feel Pro 90 Vacuum) to replace my circa 1987 Prestige Pro (mid). Unfortunately, none of them are available out here and I will have to buy in order to try. As a result, I'm trying to put some thought into which one I try first.

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Hi Andrew,

I haven't tried the new 2012 BA93 as I really don't know how to differentiate them by the paint job -- they look the same.

I have the first iteration of the BA93 and I had to mod it to a whole new racket to suit my play. As a result, it weights around 370 grams and about 13 pts HL. It has since become my WMD.

Anyhow, I'd suspect the feel from the layup should be very similar except for the balance and weight distribution, thus the lower SW. I "might" have unknowingly held the new 2012 BA when I visited TW's HQ last year when "the team" showed me a PK Heritage-mold prototype which, when dry swinging, felt pretty darn good with sorta of the right balance & SW.

To compare the feel of the Redondo and the BA, the Redondo's just soft while the BA's soft yet crisp. That's the best I can describe them. Power-wise I wouldn't wish to compare as my BA's so much mod'ed that it's not the racket anymore. But both are precise.

And of the rackets you mentioned: Diablo Mid; Dunlop 4D 100 and Biomimetic 100; Volkl PB 10 Mid and Pacific X Feel Pro 90 Vacuum, I'd suggest you take the Bio100 out of the mix -- just not our "classic" racket. I have two to my regret. (My customer's in Melbourne and will be in BKK next month. I may be able to pass the racket to you. Just PM me to discuss.)

I haven't tried the latest F100. It may be good. Just keep your options open.

As I haven't played the Diablo so no comments. Of the rackets mentioned, I like the 4D100 and the Vac90. The Vac90's really nice with the "right" strings -- and this takes a lot of experiments to figure out (if you're not using gut). Last night I was just enjoying the Vac90 and picked up the Redondo only like the last 20 minutes of my two-hour session (when the grip of the Vac unwound due to my improper winding of the grip). The 4D100's nice and soft and very quick in stock form. IMO, it's a very relaxed mid size when you just want to have a "play around" session. I bought mine used and the previous owner has like a ton of lead on it which really did give some serious heat for serious play. I've removed them all now.

As for the PB 10 Mid, it's a serious stick. Period. If only the SW was lower I might have considered owning one. (In fact I still want to own one for my collection.)

I'd also suggest Andrew you take the Pacific off your list if you're looking for a more classic feel. It was nice enough, but much more 'modern' feeling than the others you have up there. The balance didn't sit right with me either.

the way my current london is set up seems to give me some nice stability and is still very quick to move around. has some nice pop yet can handle heavy shots fr opponents.

could you expand you comparison?

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Alrighty. I don't think I can expand it further. Yes, the London's stable and very quick and can handle heavy shots as well as send out heavy shots. All I'd like to compare is the feel of the two rackets. And, of course, the result lies in the player and string set up.

I haven't tried the new 2012 BA93 as I really don't know how to differentiate them by the paint job -- they look the same.

I have the first iteration of the BA93 and I had to mod it to a whole new racket to suit my play. As a result, it weights around 370 grams and about 13 pts HL. It has since become my WMD.

Anyhow, I'd suspect the feel from the layup should be very similar except for the balance and weight distribution, thus the lower SW. I "might" have unknowingly held the new 2012 BA when I visited TW's HQ last year when "the team" showed me a PK Heritage-mold prototype which, when dry swinging, felt pretty darn good with sorta of the right balance & SW.

To compare the feel of the Redondo and the BA, the Redondo's just soft while the BA's soft yet crisp. That's the best I can describe them. Power-wise I wouldn't wish to compare as my BA's so much mod'ed that it's not the racket anymore. But both are precise.

And of the rackets you mentioned: Diablo Mid; Dunlop 4D 100 and Biomimetic 100; Volkl PB 10 Mid and Pacific X Feel Pro 90 Vacuum, I'd suggest you take the Bio100 out of the mix -- just not our "classic" racket. I have two to my regret. (My customer's in Melbourne and will be in BKK next month. I may be able to pass the racket to you. Just PM me to discuss.)

I haven't tried the latest F100. It may be good. Just keep your options open.

As I haven't played the Diablo so no comments. Of the rackets mentioned, I like the 4D100 and the Vac90. The Vac90's really nice with the "right" strings -- and this takes a lot of experiments to figure out (if you're not using gut). Last night I was just enjoying the Vac90 and picked up the Redondo only like the last 20 minutes of my two-hour session (when the grip of the Vac unwound due to my improper winding of the grip). The 4D100's nice and soft and very quick in stock form. IMO, it's a very relaxed mid size when you just want to have a "play around" session. I bought mine used and the previous owner has like a ton of lead on it which really did give some serious heat for serious play. I've removed them all now.

As for the PB 10 Mid, it's a serious stick. Period. If only the SW was lower I might have considered owning one. (In fact I still want to own one for my collection.)

Hope this lengthy explanation can be of some help.

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Anirut,

Thanks for the great response. It's frustrating not being able to try (or find) any of the racquets I'm most interested in.

I might be able to pick up a 4D 100 for a very good price so that could be the best place to start. Then I can look at picking up the others second-hand. Not entirely sure about the Volkl though. I had issues with the t10 MP GenII being so flexible in the upper hoop and get the impression the PB10 might be the same.

I'm planning on being in Melbourne next month so if you'd be interested in a couple of iPrestige Mids (one unused, one slightly used) I'd be happy to pass them along (gratis) to a good home.

I'd also suggest Andrew you take the Pacific off your list if you're looking for a more classic feel. It was nice enough, but much more 'modern' feeling than the others you have up there. The balance didn't sit right with me either.

Why not chuck a C10 into the mix?

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Galain,

How's everything going mate? Given how short the list is (and not expecting any more options to emerge) I'm not sure if I'll be able to cross anything off the list. Might have to give the Pacific a try, but I will keep in mind what you've said about the feel.

I tried the C10 last year and enjoyed it well enough but I keep going back to the midsize and think I'll start with those. Such a pity they don't still make the C10 Mid; I hit with that once and it was fantastic - really good power for a mid, excellent control, comfort and spin. If I could find a C10 Mid (or a couple) I would be more than happy to switch to that one. I always found it was the one frame that gave me the stable but comfortable feel of my Prestige Pro combined with an open string pattern and enough mass to hit through the ball. To me, it was a perfect compromise between the Prestige Pro (stability, comfort and feel) and a Wilson Tour 90 (spin, plough-through and a bit of extra pop) but without the limitations of either frame (lack of spin; too much heft).

We're in a similar position. Here in Thailand you can't demo rackets either. And it's also very difficult to find certain rackets, such as the Pacific Vac90, which is not imported into the country at all. I got mine from TW.

And I'll check with my customer if he'd be willing to carry two rackets back to Melbourne for you - the 4D100 and Bio100 (just for kicks ) in return for your kindness with the iPrestiges. If it's not possible for him to carry, I'll find some ways to send 'em over.

We're in a similar position. Here in Thailand you can't demo rackets either. And it's also very difficult to find certain rackets, such as the Pacific Vac90, which is not imported into the country at all. I got mine from TW.

And I'll check with my customer if he'd be willing to carry two rackets back to Melbourne for you - the 4D100 and Bio100 (just for kicks ) in return for your kindness with the iPrestiges. If it's not possible for him to carry, I'll find some ways to send 'em over.

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We'll have to see if our schedules match up (mine is reasonably flexible though - so can try to work around your customer) but, at worst, if you'd like the iPrestige Mids, they're yours. Otherwise they're just gathering dust (I'm not into selling on the auction site) and would prefer to give them to a good home. I'm sure my fiance will be happy I'm clearing some space in the house. So, if you know anyone who'd like a couple of T10 MP GenII's (one unused, one 9/10) let me know.

I'm still unsure as to which PK I go with first. The Black Ace is less expensive (only $109 for the 2012 version) but the specs on the Redondo are appealing (10pts HL). That said, the 2012 Black Ace is 11.7oz, 6pts HL and 311 swingweight which does offer a good platform for customising. It is a little stiffer than the old BA or the Redondo so it might be more to my taste.

Actually, just thinking about it again: I'd say that the C10 Mid is what I'd most like to find again. That one was just comfortable for me in all departments as well as having more power than I'd expected given the flex and head size.

Also a pk user here. I can praise the pk feel as I own 2 redondo mid, and they are an absolute bliss to hit with. Better feel than that frame. I know none. k90 comes close because of the intoxicating plow, but the Redondo feel is just sublime and it has some good power too, you just have to know how to swing it the right way (very fast swing and brush the ball violently at the very end of the follow trough).

Agreed to the 4d100, lower powered for sure, but an amazing scalpel in action. Touch and volley players use that racquet with a smile on their faces for some reason (bio version was a step in the wring direction).

Like another posted said, choose one to your liking weight, swing weight, string pattern… blabla bla and you wont be disappointed

I started using PK Ki 315 after a serious case of GE, I have to admit that never considered their frame, but demoed them... 295 at first and 315 was my ellection.

What to say, their quality is good enough, but ... recently one of my 3 frames started to make an strange noise in the handle, probably something floating inside (not the kinetic sound), besides that I could say that demands adaptation but finally is a very good frame.

How's everything going mate? Given how short the list is (and not expecting any more options to emerge) I'm not sure if I'll be able to cross anything off the list. Might have to give the Pacific a try, but I will keep in mind what you've said about the feel.

I tried the C10 last year and enjoyed it well enough but I keep going back to the midsize and think I'll start with those. Such a pity they don't still make the C10 Mid; I hit with that once and it was fantastic - really good power for a mid, excellent control, comfort and spin. If I could find a C10 Mid (or a couple) I would be more than happy to switch to that one. I always found it was the one frame that gave me the stable but comfortable feel of my Prestige Pro combined with an open string pattern and enough mass to hit through the ball. To me, it was a perfect compromise between the Prestige Pro (stability, comfort and feel) and a Wilson Tour 90 (spin, plough-through and a bit of extra pop) but without the limitations of either frame (lack of spin; too much heft).

What are you swinging these days?

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I agree with everything you say. The C10 mid is a beauty and it's a pretty good compromise for a former PPro user. If you can find an RDX 500 mid or 2, that's also not such a bad option coming from the PPro. I little stiffer, but still a very 'friendly' mid.

I honestly haven't been playing all that much lately, but my little brother was kind enough to present me with a 95 Rebel (the squiggly one, not the new new one) for Christmas so I've been alternating between that and the PT 630. Outdoors on clay the Prince has been helping a lot, and the indoor season has just begun here, so it'll still be either one of those two I pull out of my bag when I hit the carpet i think.

Give Queensland a wave for me matey - I still miss it, even after all this time.

I agree with everything you say. The C10 mid is a beauty and it's a pretty good compromise for a former PPro user. If you can find an RDX 500 mid or 2, that's also not such a bad option coming from the PPro. I little stiffer, but still a very 'friendly' mid.

I honestly haven't been playing all that much lately, but my little brother was kind enough to present me with a 95 Rebel (the squiggly one, not the new new one) for Christmas so I've been alternating between that and the PT 630. Outdoors on clay the Prince has been helping a lot, and the indoor season has just begun here, so it'll still be either one of those two I pull out of my bag when I hit the carpet i think.

Give Queensland a wave for me matey - I still miss it, even after all this time.

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Have you ever tried the Volkl T10 MP GenII? Based on what you've said previously I thought it might be right up your alley. Not an 18x20 like the Rebel and does have a 98sq head but is very comfortable and has a great flex to it. Not too dissimilar to the C10 but easier to swing.

Have you ever tried the Volkl T10 MP GenII? Based on what you've said previously I thought it might be right up your alley. Not an 18x20 like the Rebel and does have a 98sq head but is very comfortable and has a great flex to it. Not too dissimilar to the C10 but easier to swing.

I'm off to tennis now (at UQ) so I'll give the courts a wave for you.

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I've never even seen one! The first generation was a fantastic stick though - very hard to find these days.

God - UQ was my second home for such a long time. I even had my first practice in Sherwood Rd! Now I'm feeling old...

Currently in rotation I have a Redondo 98 and a Laver 98 (predecessor to the Redondo). I love how these sticks play so much I'm looking to add a Q5, Q tour or a Black Ace to the mix....

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Surfer, what can you tell me about the difference in how the Redondo 98 and the Type C Laver 98 feel at contact? I've always been curious about the two, and I just bought a Type C that I won't get to hit with until July. (I work overseas.)

Surfer, what can you tell me about the difference in how the Redondo 98 and the Type C Laver 98 feel at contact? I've always been curious about the two, and I just bought a Type C that I won't get to hit with until July. (I work overseas.)

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To be honest, I expected for them to play much more differently, but to be honest the Laver just feels like a slighty crisper and slightly heavier Redondo. I thought I was going to like it more than the Redondo, but now I'm not so sure. It is hard to improve on the feel of 100% graphite.....

The Laver has a slight edge in power, with a crisper feel (probably because of the 20% kevlar in the lay-up), but I feel it lacks a little spin potential compared to the Redondo.....but there's really not much in it because (surprisingly for an 18 x 20 pattern) both these sticks generate a lot of spin.

In stock form the Laver is heavier (minor) but my Redondo is leaded up a lot so I get tons of plow with both. They are both soft and muted (with RA's around 55-58 is my guess) with the slight edge in comfort to the Redondo - but again, there's nothing in it really.

I have to admit, when I am swinging out, and my feet are moving I have never had a more satisfying racket feel than with the Redondo. Period. Wonderfully plush, accurate, stable with that "POK"! sound on every stroke. The Laver is close though, it's just with my Redondo specced up perfectly with lead, it's just so smooth.

But in conclusion, Laver with Lead = Redondo with a little more power. Both good rackets, and nothing in it to be honest.

Thanks for the replies. I love me some Thud. (Ping! We hates it forever, precious.)

I was hoping to playtest the Redondo, BA98, and QTour this past July while home in the U.S., but my turn to borrow them from TW didn't come before my vacation was over. I did on another occasion playtest the BA98 (not the new one that TW says is just new paint and that posters say isn't, and not the Euro version), and I was most impressed.

I took it out with the X-Force Pro, Ki5 PSE, and Vantage BC20. At stock weight, the Pacific had a feel that I liked better than any of the other lighter frames. But once I'd leaded everything up roughly equal to the Ki5 PSE, which is what I'd do with any frame for personal use, the Black Ace was the obvious standout. It had a very specific feel, what I think most people mean when they say "crisp", that was comfortable and pleasant. I don't normally care to feel much from a racket – I even prefer the extreme mutedness of a Prince Vortex to the way most rackets shed vibration – but the leaded BA98 was one of the few exceptions where I really liked the vibratory feedback.

There are so few rackets that make that sort of impression, even in an overcrowded market, that it would be a shame if they have really changed it.

Thanks for the replies. I love me some Thud. (Ping! We hates it forever, precious.)

I was hoping to playtest the Redondo, BA98, and QTour this past July while home in the U.S., but my turn to borrow them from TW didn't come before my vacation was over. I did on another occasion playtest the BA98 (not the new one that TW says is just new paint and that posters say isn't, and not the Euro version), and I was most impressed.

I took it out with the X-Force Pro, Ki5 PSE, and Vantage BC20. At stock weight, the Pacific had a feel that I liked better than any of the other lighter frames. But once I'd leaded everything up roughly equal to the Ki5 PSE, which is what I'd do with any frame for personal use, the Black Ace was the obvious standout. It had a very specific feel, what I think most people mean when they say "crisp", that was comfortable and pleasant. I don't normally care to feel much from a racket – I even prefer the extreme mutedness of a Prince Vortex to the way most rackets shed vibration – but the leaded BA98 was one of the few exceptions where I really liked the vibratory feedback.

There are so few rackets that make that sort of impression, even in an overcrowded market, that it would be a shame if they have really changed it.

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I liked the X Force Pro a lot. It had a very nice feel. I thought the Ki 5 PSE was too much racquet for me. It actually measured heavier than spec, and it felt that way, too. Even for most higher level players, I think the regular Ki 5 has enough heft.

I'm looking for an original Black Ace myself - even leaded up to 12.6 oz Redondo lacks a little "pop" late in the 3rd set for me. I'm feeling like a leaded Black Ace would be the ticket - even over a Qtour and Q5.

I feel like a graphite 98 18x20 plays like a Pro Stock Head or something - plush, heavy, plow, dwell etc.etc.

FWIW, I thought the BA98 (the old one, not the new 2012) ping'd more than my Redondo MP...some might call it "crisper" as a result, but I hated it. I was hoping it'd help out on serves more.
I know what you mean about the Redondo feeling sluggish as you play a few hours..it does get heavy...

FWIW, I thought the BA98 (the old one, not the new 2012) ping'd more than my Redondo MP...some might call it "crisper" as a result, but I hated it. I was hoping it'd help out on serves more.
I know what you mean about the Redondo feeling sluggish as you play a few hours..it does get heavy...

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I played with both the Redondo and BA. I think it has nothing to do with the frame itself but the strings. I noticed a ping sound when I had my Redondo strung with Topspin Cyber Flash. A vibration dampener solved this issue however.